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License #1068868

    #1 Roofer for San Francisco, Bay Area

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    Flat Roofing Is a Specialized Field That Requires the Right Skills and Experience

    Golden Heights Roofing is your licensed and experienced go-to contractor in the Bay Area, servicing satisfied homeowners for years.

    Flat roofs are the most common type of roof, accounting for about 60 percent of all residential roofs. They’re popular in Europe and Australia due to their durability and low cost. A flat roof is any structure that is level with or below the ceiling height of the room below it. The most common type of flat roof is constructed on top of an existing building and features vertical walls that extend up from the top of the foundation to form a slope toward the outside edge of the structure where they meet another wall or parapet at an angle. This type of structure is called a mansard roof because it resembles a French-style house where two stories are built below the main story in order to create additional living space on top (in this case, on top of your house).

    Flat roofs are also called low-pitched roofs because the slope of the roof is less than 45 degrees. This means that a flat roof will be exposed to more water and snow than a sloped one, which could cause leaks and ice dams. Flat roofs are typically made from asphalt shingles or other types of thin material that need to be replaced every 10 to 20 years.

    There are three main types of

    flat roofs

    The main benefit of a mansard roof is that it creates more space on top of your house. This can be useful if you want to add an extra bedroom, bathroom, or finished attic area.

    Single-ply roofs

    Single-ply roofs have a single layer of material that doesn’t allow water to drain away from the surface easily. This can lead to leaks and other problems that require regular maintenance. Single-ply rubber roofs are made from one layer of rubber, which is flexible enough to expand and contract with temperature changes without cracking or breaking apart. This type of roof is often used on commercial buildings where there’s lots of foot traffic and heavy machinery.

    However, they are not as durable as other options and tend to wear out faster than other types of roofing materials. Single-ply roofs are made up of one layer of material, but they may be reinforced with a second layer underneath the main layer of asphalt shingles.

    Built-up roofs

    Built-up roofs are one of the most common roofing materials used on homes. These roofs come in several different styles but are all made from a series of layers. The first layer is usually asphalt shingles, followed by insulation, and finally, an additional layer of protection against water damage.

    The purpose of a built-up roof is to provide a layer of protection for your home’s exterior. Built-up roofs are often built on top of an existing roof or deck, so they can be added at any time during the life cycle of your home. There are many benefits to choosing this type of roofing material for your home. The first benefit is that they’re relatively inexpensive compared to other types of roofs such as tile or metal. They also don’t require much maintenance over their lifetime, which means less money is spent on repairs down the road. Built-up roofs also offer great insulation properties because they’re made up of several layers – including insulation – which helps keep your home warm during cold winters and cool during hot summers.

    Modified bitumen

    Modified bitumen is a product that is made from asphalt, which is a petroleum derivative. It is used to produce asphalt roofing shingles, which are designed for use on residential and commercial roofs. Modified bitumen roofing shingles are typically heavier than traditional asphalt shingles and last longer than other types of shingles.

    The process used to manufacture modified bitumen roofing shingles involves mixing the asphalt with other products, such as mineral granules or quartz sand, to create a stronger composite material. The resulting product has better water resistance than traditional asphalt shingles and can withstand heavy snow loads and high winds.

    The most common type of modified bitumen roofing shingle consists of three layers: a base layer made from fiberglass insulation board; an intermediate layer made from fiberglass matting; and a top layer made from granulated rubber. These layers are laminated together using adhesive to form one solid sheet of material that can be installed on the roof as one unit.

    Because they are heavier than traditional asphalt shingles, modified bitumen roofing shingles require stronger fasteners in order to properly anchor them in place during installation.

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    frequently asked questions

    golden heights roofing

    How long does it take to install a new roof?

    The time necessary for a new roof installation depends on the size of the roof, the slope, and the material you have chosen. Asphalt shingles are easier to install than ceramic tiles, for instance. 

    In general, it takes 5 to 10 days to install a new roof, as long as we have secured the permit. The building department is sometimes overloaded and they might take a little bit more time to issue the necessary permit. 

    The actual work on your roof will certainly be less. Our goal is to minimize the disruption for homeowners.

    The most lasting roof material is slate. Because they are a natural material, slates don’t get worn by the elements like sun rays, snow, rain, or wind and you don’t have to worry about storm damage. Slate roofs can last way over 100 years. However, the roof structure will have disintegrated before the actual slates start deteriorating. 

    Ceramic tile roofs last for 40 to 60 years. Metal roofs last for 50 to 70 years. As for asphalt shingle roofs, their lifespan is usually 15 to 20 years. 

    These lifespans are reflected in the price of a roof. Slate roofs are the most expensive while asphalt shingle roofs are the most affordable. 

    When we replace your roof, we tear the outer layer of the tiles or shingles and inspect the layering to make sure that it’s sturdy and has no leaks, cracks, or openings. 

    When we install a new roof, it means we build the roof structure from scratch, from the decking to the underlayment, including rafters, trusses, and all other structural parts that make a roof stand up. 

    Roof replacement only looks at the exterior features of a roof. Roof replacement might involve replacing all the asphalt shingles of your roof if they are over 15 years old and have started warping and curling. 

    Roof installation is more labor-intensive and requires professional craftsmanship. When the structure of a roof is solid, then the whole roof is safer and leak-proof. 

    We are here to help Bay area homeowners assess whether they need a new roof instead of a simple roof replacement. 

    If your roof structure is falling apart and there are visible signs of mold or if the roof frame is compromised, then we are talking about a full roof installation. If the sheathing—the wooden boards that hold up the roof—is battered and worn out, simple repairs or replacing the tiles or shingles without taking care of the underlying problem will only be a half-measure. Your roof risks collapsing, or you will see water leaks forming in your attic.

    Advantages of Flat Roof

    • Reduced building and repair costs. Flat roofs require less material and take up less space than sloped roofs. This reduces the cost of initial construction while also saving money if extensive repairs are required.
    • Functionality. Some homeowners make rooftop gardens out of flat roof sections. Flat roofs are also ideal for building roof decks. A flat roof can be used by homeowners to add a beautiful addition that also provides additional weather protection.
    • Energy saving. Flat roofs are excellent for lowering home utility costs, especially in warmer climates. A flat roof means less overhead space for air to stagnate, whereas sloped roofs can trap unwanted warm air or allow cooled air to escape.

    Every home buyer and builder has a vision for his or her dream home, and a flat roof could be the ideal solution for you. Although flat roofs require more maintenance and perform better in warmer climates, with the right builder, anyone can have a functional, beautiful flat roof.